SNAP FAQ

To be eligible for SNAP in Iowa, you must:

• be a resident of Iowa
• be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or an eligible non-citizen
• meet income guidelines
• provide all information Iowa HHS requests

To view work requirements, please visit SNAP Work Requirements.

You can apply for SNAP in Iowa using three different methods.

1. Apply online (Recommended)
2. Apply at your local HHS office.
3. Download the HHS Food and Financial Support Application (243.41 KB).pdf  (243.41 KB) .pdf ( Solicitud de Ayuda Financiera (246.02 KB).pdf (246.02 KB) .pdf )
   1. Email completed application to [email protected], or
   2. Fax application to 515-564-4017, or
   3. Mail completed application to: 
      Imaging Center 4 
      PO Box 2027 
      Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

After you submit your application, you will be contacted for a phone interview. A decision will be made within 30 days after your interview. After your application is approved, you will receive your EBT card in the mail.

Yes. You may designate an authorized representative to help complete the application and interview on your behalf.

How much money you receive from SNAP will depend on:

• Your household income, including money earned from jobs and payments from things like Social Security
• Your deductible expenses
• How many people live with you

Benefits are deposited onto EBT cards within the first 10 days of each month.

SNAP is issued on an uninterrupted monthly schedule and is issued on the same date each month, even if the date falls on a weekend or a holiday. SNAP availability dates are based on the first letter of the last name of the person who is the case name. 

Availability dates are listed on the following chart:

What can SNAP buy?
Any food for the household, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables;
• Meat, poultry, and fish;
• Dairy products;
• Breads and cereals;
• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

Households CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy:

• Beer, wine, and liquor.
• Cigarettes and tobacco.
• Food and drinks containing controlled substances such as cannabis/marijuana and CBD.
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
• Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
• Foods that are hot at the point of sale.
• Any nonfood items such as:
  • Pet foods
  • Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
  • Hygiene items and cosmetics

Before your certification period ends, Iowa HHS sends a recertification form and notice of expiration. You must submit the form by the due date and attend an interview if required; most interviews are conducted by phone. Documentation for income, expenses, and related items may be requested.

You must report certain changes. Failure to report on time may result in overpayments or penalties. All households are required to report the following three things by the 10th of the month after they happen: 

• When its total gross income goes over the gross income limit for the household’s size, or 
• When an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) who was working at least 80 hours stops working 80 hours, or 
• When anyone in the household receives lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more in a single lottery/gambling win.

You can report changes by calling 1-877-347-5678.

If you already receive SNAP, you can access your account information on the web at www.connectebt.com. There is no charge for using this online access.

If you believe you have been a victim of EBT fraud:

• Contact EBT Customer Service immediately at 800-359-5802 to report the fraud and request a replacement card.
• SNAP benefits that have been stolen cannot be replaced. To keep your card safe, view our tips and recommendations.

If you lose your card, you can request a replacement by contacting EBT Customer Service at 1-800‑359‑5802. Replacement cards typically arrive in 5 to 7 days after reporting missing.